It's about 35 years since last I worked with horses, until a few weeks ago. I began working at a local riding stables in Newcastle upon Tyne. One day, I was asked to bring down on of the flighty boys from the top yard and told to take a chifney. I had no idea what a "chifney" was, but after some hmmms and haaas from the yard staff, one was handed to me and off I set accompanied by one of the riding school pupils to collect flighty pants. When we reached the top yard, neither of us knew how it should be fitted- being a complete ring, I thought it must go round the muzzle (remember I'd never seen one before) so as neither could figure it out, we left it off and led him back, without incident, to the stables. The boss's incredulity at our failure was disappointing to say the least. Without any prior knowledge of this bit (I have since researched its use and know how it should be employed correctly) two of us were given the task of using what is a potentially very cruel piece of equipment without any advice. The stables' is manned by volunteer teenagers, in the main, none of whom, to my knowledge, has been taught about the "pressure and release" principle.